Heartbreaker for JMU: Dukes Fall to No. 3 Maryland in Thrilling Road Showdown

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Heartbreaker for JMU: Dukes Fall to No. 3 Maryland in Thrilling Road Showdown

COLLEGE PARK, Md. – The Maryland women’s lacrosse team continued its winning streak, defeating James Madison 13-6 at SECU Stadium. This victory keeps Maryland’s record spotless at 7-0, showcasing their strong offensive skills.

For James Madison, Jordan Peterson stood out, scoring two goals. Payton Root contributed with one goal and two assists, while Maddie Weybrecht was a defensive anchor with 5 ground balls and a caused turnover. In the goal, Abigail Beattie notched eight saves, her highest number on the road this season.

Maryland’s Kristen Shanahan was the star of the game, leading her team with six goals and an assist. Lauren Lapointe added three goals and an assist. JJ Suriano, the Terps’ goalie, delivered a solid performance with 10 saves and a .625 save percentage.

Game Breakdown

First Quarter: James Madison 2, Maryland 5
Maryland quickly took charge, establishing a 3-0 lead within the first few minutes. Although Peterson and Root scored to narrow the gap, Maryland responded and regained a three-point lead.

Second Quarter: James Madison 3, Maryland 8
The Terps continued to dominate, scoring two early goals. JMU’s Aly Yee-Jenkins reduced the lead temporarily, but Maryland answered just before halftime.

Third Quarter: James Madison 4, Maryland 11
The Terps pulled away further, scoring three times while limiting JMU to just one goal on five shots, showcasing their control.

Fourth Quarter: James Madison 6, Maryland 13
JMU started strong with a quick goal from Brianna Mennella. However, they couldn’t close the gap, finishing the game at 2-4 for the season.

What’s Next for JMU

Looking ahead, James Madison will travel to Lynchburg to face Liberty on March 11, with the matchup starting at 4 p.m. and streamed on ESPN+.

A Look at Trends

As women’s lacrosse gains popularity, teams are focusing on player development. Recent studies show that youth participation in lacrosse is increasing. According to the National Federation of State High School Associations, lacrosse is one of the fastest-growing high school sports in the U.S., attracting new fans and players.

In social media, the excitement surrounding women’s sports is palpable. Fans are rallying around players, celebrating their skills and teamwork. Hashtags like #WomensLacrosse are trending, creating a vibrant community for support and engagement.

For more insights on lacrosse trends, check the NCAA Women’s Lacrosse page.



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